US5228837A - High pressure pump for electro-rheological fluids - Google Patents
High pressure pump for electro-rheological fluids Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US5228837A US5228837A US07/953,338 US95333892A US5228837A US 5228837 A US5228837 A US 5228837A US 95333892 A US95333892 A US 95333892A US 5228837 A US5228837 A US 5228837A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- electro
- pump
- pair
- rheological
- high pressure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- XZMCDFZZKTWFGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cyanamide Chemical compound NC#N XZMCDFZZKTWFGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037406 food intake Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04C15/00—Component parts, details or accessories of machines, pumps or pumping installations, not provided for in groups F04C2/00 - F04C14/00
- F04C15/0003—Sealing arrangements in rotary-piston machines or pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04C13/00—Adaptations of machines or pumps for special use, e.g. for extremely high pressures
- F04C13/001—Pumps for particular liquids
Definitions
- This invention relates to high-pressure pumps for electro-rheological fluids, and more particularly to pumps for such fluids which contain particulate matter in the range of 10 to 50 micron size.
- electro-rheological fluids are slurries typically comprised of a non-conducting fluid and particulates.
- a typical slurry contains about 30% particulates and 6% water by eight mixed in a dielectric liquid.
- the application of a high-voltage electric field across a small gap filled with a electro-rheological fluid causes the water absorbed in the particulate to form induced dipoles which align the particles between the electrodes, resulting in an effective change in viscosity in the localized area between the electrodes.
- the particulates are normally on the order of 10 microns in diameter, and may be either hard or soft. Electro-rheological materials and some applications in which they are used are discussed in more detail in the literature, including the following articles, which are incorporated herein by reference.
- pumps are used to build a high pressure in a hydraulic fluid.
- Positive displacement pumps such as gear pumps, IMO pumps, piston pumps, vane pumps, etc., are commonly used. These pumps all utilize close fitting components, typically steel components, to form cavities in which fluid is compressed to high pressures and discharged to a common manifold.
- An object of this invention is to expand existing pump technology to electro-rheologic fluids.
- Another object of the invention is the provision of an electro-rheological pump that is contaminant insensitive for particles in the 10 to 50 micron size.
- a further object is the provision of an electro-rheological pump that is compatible with existing pump technology.
- One more object of this invention is the provision of a pump for electro-rheologic fluids that is able to produce flow smoothly without producing structure borne or fluid borne noise associated with positive displacement pumps.
- this invention contemplates a high-pressure pump for electro-rheological fluids in which the pump components operate with relatively large clearances and rely on the electro-rheological fluid effect for sealing.
- the electro-rheological effect is induced in the fluid only in the region where a seal between relatively merging pump parts is required to generate a fluid pressure increase.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic drawings of an electro-rheological pump in accordance with the teachings of this invention.
- FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a gear pump embodiment of the invention.
- the pump includes a housing 14, and a pair of pump gears 18 and 20 disposed in the housing between a low pressure inlet 8 and a high pressure outlet 6.
- a drive shaft 10 to which a suitable drive source is coupled (not shown), drives a meshed pair of drive/timing gears 12 and 13 that are mounted externally to a fluid tight housing 14.
- the drive/timing gears 12 and 13 are secured to shafts 15 and 16 respectively.
- One pump spur gear 18 is secured to shaft 15 and another pump spur gear 20 is secured to shaft 16.
- the gears 18 and 20 are arranged so that the teeth never contact one another but rather form a small gap at their closest point of approach where a tooth on one gear fits between two adjacent teeth of the other gear.
- the drive/timing gears 12 and 13 establish this close, non-contacting, running condition.
- the shafts 15 and 16 in this embodiment extend beyond the housing 14 and each carries a series of electrically conducting commutating segments 24 about its periphery.
- Each of the teeth on the pump spur gears 18 and 20 is electrically conducting at least over its outer surface and each electrically conducting tooth is electrically isolated from the other teeth on that gear.
- a conductive segment 29 extends partially over the surface of each tooth separated by narrow insulating spacers 30.
- Suitable connectors 32 respectively connect each commutator segment 24 to a respective conductive segment 29.
- Brushes 34 and 36 are disposed to contact the commutating segments 24 on the shafts 15 and 16 respectively. Leads connect the brushes to a suitable voltage source 28.
- the brushes 34 and 36 are arranged so that they create a voltage gradient across the meshing gear teeth sufficient in strength to produce an electro-rheological effect in the electro-rheological being pumped.
- the voltage gradient between the two teeth of opposite polarity across the narrow gap where the teeth are meshing locally increases the fluid viscosity, providing a local increase in fluid viscosity providing a seal between the teeth and allowing development of a high-pressure.
- Similar techniques can be used to seal pump rotors to the housing. For example, the teeth adjacent the housing can be selectively energized when in proximity of the housing wall. It should be noted that the viscosity of the electrorheological fluid is not increased throughout the entire system but only in a small region to form a seal on the pressure cavity.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Details And Applications Of Rotary Liquid Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
A high-pressure pump for electro-rheological fluids in which the pump coments operate with relatively large clearances and rely on the electro-rheological fluid effect for sealing. Preferably, the electro-rheological effect is induced in the fluid only in the region where a seal between relatively merging pump parts is required to generate a fluid pressure increase.
Description
The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to high-pressure pumps for electro-rheological fluids, and more particularly to pumps for such fluids which contain particulate matter in the range of 10 to 50 micron size.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, electro-rheological fluids are slurries typically comprised of a non-conducting fluid and particulates. A typical slurry contains about 30% particulates and 6% water by eight mixed in a dielectric liquid. The application of a high-voltage electric field across a small gap filled with a electro-rheological fluid causes the water absorbed in the particulate to form induced dipoles which align the particles between the electrodes, resulting in an effective change in viscosity in the localized area between the electrodes. The particulates are normally on the order of 10 microns in diameter, and may be either hard or soft. Electro-rheological materials and some applications in which they are used are discussed in more detail in the literature, including the following articles, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Cyanamid, "Electro-Rheological Fluids", American Cyanamid Company, Wayne, New Jersey.
Machine Design, "Fluids That Thicken Electrically", by Theodore G. Duclos, Debra N. Acker and J. David Carlson, Thomas Lord Research Center, Lord Corporation, Cary, North Carolina; January 21,
Phys. Technology, Vol. 14 1983, The Institute of Physics, "Electrorheological Fluids" by J. E. Stangroom.
In general, pumps are used to build a high pressure in a hydraulic fluid. Positive displacement pumps such as gear pumps, IMO pumps, piston pumps, vane pumps, etc., are commonly used. These pumps all utilize close fitting components, typically steel components, to form cavities in which fluid is compressed to high pressures and discharged to a common manifold.
These pumps depend on close clearances of the components during operation using contaminant-free fluids. Systems in which such pumps are used are commonly filtered to remove particles larger than 10 microns because the pumps can be damaged by the ingestion of larger particles. Damage results typically from the contaminate scoring the surfaces of the close fitting components and causing excessive leakage.
An object of this invention is to expand existing pump technology to electro-rheologic fluids.
Another object of the invention is the provision of an electro-rheological pump that is contaminant insensitive for particles in the 10 to 50 micron size.
A further object is the provision of an electro-rheological pump that is compatible with existing pump technology.
One more object of this invention is the provision of a pump for electro-rheologic fluids that is able to produce flow smoothly without producing structure borne or fluid borne noise associated with positive displacement pumps.
Briefly, this invention contemplates a high-pressure pump for electro-rheological fluids in which the pump components operate with relatively large clearances and rely on the electro-rheological fluid effect for sealing. Preferably, the electro-rheological effect is induced in the fluid only in the region where a seal between relatively merging pump parts is required to generate a fluid pressure increase.
The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic drawings of an electro-rheological pump in accordance with the teachings of this invention.
Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, it shows a gear pump embodiment of the invention. The pump includes a housing 14, and a pair of pump gears 18 and 20 disposed in the housing between a low pressure inlet 8 and a high pressure outlet 6. In 15 this particular embodiment, a drive shaft 10, to which a suitable drive source is coupled (not shown), drives a meshed pair of drive/ timing gears 12 and 13 that are mounted externally to a fluid tight housing 14. The drive/ timing gears 12 and 13 are secured to shafts 15 and 16 respectively. One pump spur gear 18 is secured to shaft 15 and another pump spur gear 20 is secured to shaft 16. The gears 18 and 20 are arranged so that the teeth never contact one another but rather form a small gap at their closest point of approach where a tooth on one gear fits between two adjacent teeth of the other gear. The drive/ timing gears 12 and 13 establish this close, non-contacting, running condition.
The shafts 15 and 16 in this embodiment extend beyond the housing 14 and each carries a series of electrically conducting commutating segments 24 about its periphery. Each of the teeth on the pump spur gears 18 and 20 is electrically conducting at least over its outer surface and each electrically conducting tooth is electrically isolated from the other teeth on that gear. Preferably, a conductive segment 29 extends partially over the surface of each tooth separated by narrow insulating spacers 30. Suitable connectors 32 respectively connect each commutator segment 24 to a respective conductive segment 29.
While the invention has been described in terms of a single preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, the concepts of the invention can be applied to the rotor and idlers of an IMO pump and these concepts are also applicable to Vane and Piston pumps.
Claims (2)
1. An apparatus for pumping an electro-rheological fluid, comprising in combination:
a pump housing having an inlet and an outlet;
a pair of relatively movable, non-contacting pump members disposed in said housing between said inlet and said outlet with a gap between said members;
means to drive at least one of said pair of relatively movable pump members relative to the other of said pair of relatively movable pump members to pump an electro-rheological fluid from a relatively low pressure at said inlet to a relatively high pressure at said outlet with said gap between said members located at an interface between said relatively low pressure and said relatively high pressure;
means to generate a voltage gradient across said gap to increase the viscosity of said electro-rheological fluid in order to create a seal between said relatively high pressure and said relatively low pressure;
said pair of relatively movable pump members are a pair of spur gears with non-contacting intermeshing teeth; and
said means to generate a voltage gradient include commutating segments for connecting a voltage source to said non-contacting intermeshing teeth.
2. An apparatus for pumping an electro-rheological fluid as in claim 1, further including a pair of timing gears for driving said pair of spur gears.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/953,338 US5228837A (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1992-09-30 | High pressure pump for electro-rheological fluids |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/953,338 US5228837A (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1992-09-30 | High pressure pump for electro-rheological fluids |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US5228837A true US5228837A (en) | 1993-07-20 |
Family
ID=25493840
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US07/953,338 Expired - Fee Related US5228837A (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1992-09-30 | High pressure pump for electro-rheological fluids |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US5228837A (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3275225A (en) * | 1964-04-06 | 1966-09-27 | Midland Ross Corp | Fluid compressor |
US3405728A (en) * | 1963-06-03 | 1968-10-15 | Gen Electric | Electro-viscous fluid valve |
US3640650A (en) * | 1968-07-18 | 1972-02-08 | Maag Zahnraeder & Maschinen Ag | Gear tooth system for gear pumps |
US4493615A (en) * | 1982-12-03 | 1985-01-15 | National Research Development Corp. | Electro-rheological transducer |
-
1992
- 1992-09-30 US US07/953,338 patent/US5228837A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3405728A (en) * | 1963-06-03 | 1968-10-15 | Gen Electric | Electro-viscous fluid valve |
US3275225A (en) * | 1964-04-06 | 1966-09-27 | Midland Ross Corp | Fluid compressor |
US3640650A (en) * | 1968-07-18 | 1972-02-08 | Maag Zahnraeder & Maschinen Ag | Gear tooth system for gear pumps |
US4493615A (en) * | 1982-12-03 | 1985-01-15 | National Research Development Corp. | Electro-rheological transducer |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE, AS REPRESENTED BY T Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:SHIFFLER, MARK E.;LOY, LUKE W.;REEL/FRAME:006486/0662;SIGNING DATES FROM 19920923 TO 19920927 |
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REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 19970723 |
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STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |